Badwater Ultramarathon

Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times

John Radich of Monrovia takes a moment before the start of the annual Badwater Ultramarathon in Death Valley National Park, the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, on Monday. The staggered start of the race began at 6 a.m., at which time the Weather Channel recorded a brisk 94 degrees, according to the races website. The finish line, more than five marathons from the start, is at the Mt. Whitney Portals, trailhead to the highest point in the contiguous United States.

John Radich of Monrovia takes a moment before the start of the annual Badwater Ultramarathon in Death Valley National Park, the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, on Monday. The staggered start of the race began at 6 a.m., at which time the Weather Channel recorded a brisk 94 degrees, according to the races website. The finish line, more than five marathons from the start, is at the Mt. Whitney Portals, trailhead to the highest point in the contiguous United States. (Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times)

Mary Campbell Gorski, 45, of Milwaukee, Wis., and other runners take off from the starting line. The temperature of the pavement can be 50 to 60 degrees hotter than the air temperature.

Mary Campbell Gorski, 45, of Milwaukee, Wis., and other runners take off from the starting line. The temperature of the pavement can be 50 to 60 degrees hotter than the air temperature. (Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times)